“By combining those three factors, the pollution level and the health functions and the location specific population and baseline health risks, we were able to come up with reliable estimate of the health risks of pollution higher than the ATS levels.”

Cromar said areas with the highest levels of air pollution typically have higher resident populations.

“We hope that these numbers are a reliable source of information to help both air quality managers and citizens to work together to move forward on how to best address this problem.”